I must admit, upfront, that I am a bit biased in this matter… but I was delighted with the decision of Chautauqua Institution to hire Mark Johnson as its new President. He will be undertaking these new duties in the coming year.

I first knew Mark as a kid growing up in Jamestown when we lived on Chestnut Street…he lived right down the street from us. We were good friends with his parents and, one summer, went with their family on a canoe trip to the Adirondacks.

And, aside from that, how can you be against a “Johnson” from Jamestown…especially, this one? His grandfather was head of the Board of Public Utilities (BPU,) and his father was chief financial officer for the City of Jamestown and later for Chautauqua Institution…so his local bonafides are pretty well covered.

Yet, what has stood out for me over the years has been Mark’s very accomplished career as a foreign service officer in the State Department. He has served with distinction in several overseas posts, has advanced trips for the Secretary of State of the United States, and in his last assignment has been Deputy Chief of Mission, a position of authority directly under the Ambassador, at our largest embassy… that in Mexico.

I believe that his local roots combined with his service in the diplomatic corps are a terrific combination for an international cultural and religious institution such as Chautauqua. He doesn’t need to learn about Chautauqua County…he has lived here and spent summers at Chautauqua. Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua County are in his blood.

There are another couple of things about Mark Johnson that stand out for me which will help him at Chautauqua–he is inquisitive and very personable. He will want to meet every Chautauquan that he can, and he is a seeker of truth and knowledge–the basis of what Chautauqua is all about.

Of course, let’s face it, my age plays into it. At my age, I am looking for the next generation to step up and lead–whether it be in government, business or in the arts and education. Mark Johnson fills that bill “in spades” as he comes to assume leadership at Chautauqua.

The Board of Directors at Chautauqua appointed a Search Committee which conducted a national search to fill this position. Their conclusion was that Mark Johnson was the person best suited to lead the Institution in the years ahead.

We should commend them for their diligent work and wish the future and incoming President of Chautauqua best wishes as he assumes the leadership of what we have come to know as one of the crown jewels of Chautauqua County.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.